Tottenham captain Son Heung-min (33), who was excluded from the selection for the first time in a month, was evaluated as similar to Timo Werner, the backup striker in the team, in terms of importance within the team.
Son Heung-min was included in the replacement list in the 20th round of the English Premier League (EPL) match against Newcastle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on the 4th (Korea time), and replaced Timo Werner in the 17th minute of the second half and spent 28 minutes on the ground.
It is the first time in a month and six games that Son Heung-min has been excluded from the selection since he replaced Bournemouth in the 12th minute of the second half in the 14th round match (0-1 loss) on December 5 last year.
Tottenham manager Engie Postecoglou explained that Son Heung-min was excluded from the starting lineup due to his tight schedule.
There was no effect excepting Son Heung-min as a starter.
Tottenham came from behind to lose 1-2 in a game that included captain Son Heung-min in the replacement list. Tottenham, which was leading by Dominic Solanke's first goal in the fourth minute of the first half, allowed Anthony Gordon to equalize in the sixth minute of the first half, two minutes later. In the 38th minute, Alexander Isaac scored a come-from-behind goal.
Tottenham (24 points), which had only one draw and three losses and one point secured in the last four games, including the match against Newcastle, failed to rebound and fell one place to 12th place.
The match against Newcastle was a glimpse of Son Heung-min's changed position with about five months left before the expiration of his current contract.
Sports media 'The Athletic' after the game 'Where are Son Heung-min and James Madison?In an article under the title ', he noted the change in the position of the two players. 'Excluding Son Heung-min and Madison as starters is a surprising decision to make.'
Offensive midfielder Madison replaced Son Heung-min at the same time. He has been out of the starting lineup for three consecutive games since the last Liverpool match (3-6 losses). There was not enough time for the two key resources to show a difference in the stadium. Son Heung-min recorded 33 ball touches, one key pass, three successful ground matches, two fouls, and one dribble, and no shots. Maddison attempted a sharp curl shot from a 1-2 draw, but it went slightly off the post.
The Athletic analyzed that Son Heung-min's failure to show his best performance was the reason why he was excluded from the selection. Son Heung-min scored only five goals in 17 league games since the opening.
In the meantime, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke are considered the most important players in the current offensive. Son Heung-min and Madison feel like less important players like Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson.
Werner, on loan from Leipzig, started as a left-wing striker in seven games against Newcastle after Fulham (1-1 draw) early last month, but finished empty-handed.
Son Heung-min, who has played for Tottenham since 2015, has yet to renew his contract ahead of the expiration of his contract in June. Locally, Tottenham expects to exercise only the right to extend the one-year extension.
Son Heung-min played full-time in the 90th minute only twice since recovering from a hamstring injury in October. Coach Postecoglou is adjusting the playing time.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
